What's Growing In Your Garden? Horticultural Science

[Turtle]

New residence, new garden. Condition and circumstance have me with a patch nestled in a NW fenced corner. I have double dug about 6 feet of running row for a start; the native soil is stony Missoula flood deposit. I have a roll of chicken wire to surround the patch, & here we have a twofur.
First to Racoon, because a chicken wire enclosure may keep out the squirrels if it is covered. Of course they may just dig under it! Try spreading some hot-pepper flakes or powder on the plants?
Second to the geometers, how shall I arrange my roll of wire so as to enclose the most space in the right-angle-cornered existing wooden fence? (Hint:the wood is cedar).
I purchased seeds of tomato, cucumber, & radish, plus I have a pack of sunflower from last year. The tomato seeds I have starting in pots inside & I plan to sow the radish & cucmber direct.
That's all I know about that.

[InfiniteNow]

FYI... today is International Plant Appreciation day. Whoo Hooo!

[erich]

Dear Folks:

I'm a landscaper, and over the years have pruned many old Honey Locust trees.

Can anyone tell me what animal was this tree defending itself from to evolve those viscous 3 inch thorns?..........Dinosaurs?..........giant Sloths?

Erich

[orbsycli]

Originally Posted by erich

Dear Folks:
Can anyone tell me what animal was this tree defending itself from to evolve those viscous 3 inch thorns?..........Dinosaurs?..........giant Sloths?

You guess it!
The giant sloths evolved because of those things!
The tree just got sick of their unruly behavior.

[erich]

Thanks Orbsycli

In general what has had the most pronounced effect on trees height?:
1, Dinosaurs browsing
2,natural fire, or
3,plant competition


Erich

[Racoon]

the Brocolli germinated. First year growing it. I have it dog proofed I hope... but not squirrel yet.

The Japanese Fern did make it!
I was worried because it was a new plant, lost all its leaves and Didn't see it sprout new yet. Its in a container for now. It a real purdy light green and white...

[InfiniteNow]

I'm trying to figure out how hard it would be to plant (and further, assist in survival) a Japanese Maple in my Austin, Texas yard... complete with it's hard dirt, low frequency of rain, and blistering summers. Any thoughts from you horicologists out there? My thumbs are definitely green, but more so in the sense that I've never done planting before than that I'm successful at it.

[Racoon]

Originally Posted by InfiniteNow

I'm trying to figure out how hard it would be to plant (and further, assist in survival) a Japanese Maple in my Austin, Texas yard... complete with it's hard dirt, low frequency of rain, and blistering summers. Any thoughts from you horicologists out there? My thumbs are definitely green, but more so in the sense that I've never done planting before than that I'm successful at it.

Not good IN.
I have several mini - Japanese maples, [bragging tone] in containers. The larger green kind.
(as opposed to the dwarfier red variety) 2 for future bonzais...

I transplant the seedlings from the yard at my Moms house. She has a beautiful 20 foot one!
There are 5 right now that are doing well. 1 died this winter. And there are a couple more seedlings I need to transplant before she has her yard done w/ fungiscides...

They like shade, and some sun. And rich soil. If you could find a shadier portion of the yard, mix in a bit of good dirt around the area, and take real good care of it (water and fertilize regularly) then you have a shot!!

TREES! er...Cheers!

[InfiniteNow]

Thanks Rac. Based on your description, that species doesn't sound like my best option. I just really like how ornamental they are.

Trees right back at ya.

[erich]

Does anyone know where I could find an insect's view of common flowers?
I understand that they sense them outside the visible spectrum, in UV and IR.

I would love to find some pictures that represent their perceptions.

Erich